Poterne des Peupliers

Can you even imagine a part of Paris that has been untouched by time? The Poterne des Peupliers is one of the last remaining vestiges of the fortifications of Paris. It is one of the most important examples of 19th century Parisian fortifications, dating back to the time of Adolphe Thiers from 1841 to 1844. These fortifications were destroyed between 1919 and 1929. But, the Poterne des Peupliers still exists under the boulevard Kellermann, creating a mysterious gateway to the past. It’s hidden just beneath the bustling life above and it’s here where the Bièvre River, a forgotten stream, once used to flow, before it was buried under a layer of urbanisation in the 19th century. The Poterne des Peupliers used to mark the edge of the city which you can still see in the streets that surround it. These roads lead right into the heart of the city and they meet at right angles to the boulevard Kellermann. The Poterne des Peupliers, where the river used to flow, became the gateway for people and trade. This once-important part of the Parisian city is often only seen by those who know where to look. Today, the Poterne des Peupliers remains a haunting reminder of the city’s forgotten past, a place where history whispers secrets to those who listen.